Okay, so this could possibly be a large question and it definitely covers a few different areas:
This coming spring I think I'll be ready to do some serious modifications to my Mustang. I recently inherited a 2000 Corvette and, although I love the car, I just can't justify the insurance costs for two "go-fast" cars. It's in perfect condition (even the engine bay looks brand new) so I figure I can get at least $15K for it (I'm pretty sure that's a very conservative number). I'm going to save a couple grand for a decent winter car, but the rest will be for me to play with. So...around $13,000 to mod the he!! out of my car!

1. I've decided on a S/C--I'm torn between the Saleen and the Whipple: either the stage 1 or the non-intercooled, or the stage 2 and the intercooled.
2. Suspension (this is the big one): other than Eibach Pro Kit, Tokico, and an adj. panhard rod, I'm not too sure what I need/want.
3. A Pro5.0 shifter
4. Axis GT-R 20x9 and 20x10.5 wheels with 255 and 285 tires. Can I go larger in the back?
5. Exhaust: JBA longtubes, O/R H-pipe, and axle-backs.

I know that with FI 1.75" primaries would be better, but I want to retain an old-school muscle car sound and JBA seems to be about it in the way of longtubes and H-pipes (at least that I can find).
Any suggestions would be very helpful to me, as I'm an extreme novice when it comes to more advanced modifications.

 

One of these days I hope somebody who has this kind of question will show us how he already has purchased more important things, like life insurance, insulation for his house, a full physical, etc! Or how about funding an IRA?
Anyway, don't forget new tires!

 

Well, thank you very much for the helpful post. As a matter of fact, I have a $100,000 life insurance policy that was started for me when I was 2 that I've taken over. I don't have insulation for my house, simply because I rent and don't own (I'm not sure I'm going to stay in this area). I have an annual physical. And, finally I have a 401k through my employer. So, now that I've gotten that out of the way, can I go spend my money, Dad?

 

Well you have show that your ducks are in a row so I say spend away

I have been hearing good things about the whipple as of late.
Do you have a total on what you listed? I would not doubt your at or near 13k now.
Are you doing you own work? labor is a big ticket item.
I wonder how are the roads out there in IL?

 

Dom, I don't think Orion meant to rip on you personally. But, he does have a point about the dozens of other posts on this board asking the same "Hey, I just got $5,000 -- what should I put on my car?" I always wondered if those same posters are putting money away for retirement, saving for college (or paying off college), saving for a home, etc.

Far be it for me to tell anyone how to spend their money on their car or not (anyone could be saving more money, myself included), but I wonder if these same folks who are putting a $5,000 Kenne Bell on their GT are eating ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner 'cause they have "misplaced priorities."

That being said -- to everyone: it's your money, you earned it, spend it as you please!

 

dude i eat those anyway.[8D]

 

LOL!! You must still be in college! Believe me, you'll lose the taste for it after you leave school...

 

Either that or the excess sodium will kill you.

 

You know, I added it up a while ago and I can't remember the exact figure, but it's somwhere in the $8-10K range. As for the labor, my uncle is a mechanic and we'll be doing everything but the S/C, although he did install one on his son's Nova (yeah, that's right...a supercharged 396). As for the roads, they're not too bad until the winter. Not all of Illinois is corn. Most, but not all.

Anyway, does anyone have suggestions on the suspension stuff? That's where I'm totally lost--with control arms and roll bars and such.

 

Anyone???